Gamblin : Oil Painting Ground : 236ml

Gamblin Oil Painting Ground makes a strong, bright, non-absorbent foundation for oil paintings.

Formulated from alkyd resin, titanium dioxide, and barium sulfate, Gamblin Ground makes canvas and linen stiffer than acrylic 'gesso' and more flexible than traditional oil primers. Barium sulfate gives Gamblin Ground its tooth, while Titanium dioxide gives Gamblin Ground its opacity. Because alkyd resin is used instead of linseed oil as the binder, Gamblin Ground is more flexible and dries more quickly than lead/linseed oil grounds. Lead/linseed oil grounds must dry for six months, and Gamblin Ground is ready for paint application within a week.

Because the percentage of pigments is so much higher than in acrylic 'gesso', painters need only apply two coats of Gamblin Ground instead of the recommended four coats of acrylic. The first, thin coat should be touch-dry before the second coat is applied; this should normally occur overnight. After the second coat, it is best to wait five days for the primer to dry properly before commencing with your painting. Additional coats can be added for smoother painting surfaces.

Please remember that any absorbent substrate, such as canvas or paper, should be sized before the application of Gamblin Oil Painting Ground. This will seal the surface so that the oil does not leech into it or cause it to rot. You can use acrylic size, rabbit skin glue, or acrylic primer for this purpose; Gamblin recommends you use the Gamblin PVA size. Wooden supports do not need to be sized before the application of Gamblin Oil Painting Ground.

Please note, the consistency of Gamblin Oil Painting Ground may vary between batches and can be affected by temperature due to the working properties of the alkyd resin. If the Ground appears particularly thick, mix it thoroughly on a glass palette or other suitable mixing surface with a palette knife. The thixotropic alkyd resin will begin to loosen as it is worked, helping to restore a smoother consistency for application.

If further thinning is required, Gamblin Oil Painting Ground can be thinned with Gamsol at a maximum ratio of 1oz Gamsol to 32oz Ground to improve application and encourage thin layers. Do not exceed this amount, as adding too much solvent can compromise the stability and flexibility of the Ground.

Read an in-depth Artist Review about Gamblin Oil Painting Ground here.